Audit vs. Tax Offers

  • Creator
    Topic
  • #190202
    hasy
    Participant

    I need SO MUCH help.

    I know that it’s not YOUR decision to make since it’s my job but I would love some insight. Currently, I just finished interviewing with two firms. One firm has gotten back to me and it’s for an audit internship. I think it’s very likely that I’ll receive an offer for a tax position at another firm as well. First of all, let me explain this. I originally applied for an AUDIT position at this firm but they asked if I was open to tax. I said yes, but I still would like audit. The next thing I know, I’m doing first rounds with a tax partner. Then, all day interview with a bunch of tax people and convincing (bullshitting) the tax partner/manager that I wanted to do tax.

    So I am in this boat today. I have not received the offer. But I feel like they offer it, only because they already called my references.

    What do I do? I have never done audit and I just want to try it, like I’ve never done it to know how bad tax people hate audit work. As much as I’ve TRIED to stay away from tax, I’m expected to do it because I’ve had a tax internship. Also, the pigeon hole thing. All the people I talked to today looked like they drank so much tax kool-aid that I’m slowly forgetting why I chose audit to begin with.

    Also, I’m hesitant about the internship, because that’s what it is, an internship. It doesn’t guarantee a position. However, most interns do have first consideration for full time audit positions at the firm, so that’s not a total deal breaker.

    Can someone (tax AND audit people) tell me that if I join tax, I won’t be screwed later?

    AUD - 83
    BEC - 80
    FAR - 83
    REG - 78
    BEC - 80 (Roger + NINJA MCQ + WTB)

    FAR - 72; 83 (Roger + NINJA MCQ)

    AUD - 83 (Roger + NINJA MCQ + WTB)

    REG - 52; 78 (Roger + NINJA MCQ)

    Ethics - 68, 96 (how I dislike you)
    -
    This forum is more addictive than drugs. Still returning after licensure.

    Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved - Helen Keller

    -

    BEC 80 (10/23/15)
    FAR 72 (4/2/15); 83 (7/11/16)
    REG 52 (4/28/15)
    AUD (9/9/16)

    Roger + NINJA MCQ + WTB

Viewing 5 replies - 1 through 5 (of 5 total)
  • Author
    Replies
  • #619320
    GotCPA
    Participant

    it's not always the case but it's usually set in stone from start. Like if you go in as audit, you rarely get to work on tax and vice versa. In my opinion, audit has a little more flexibility opposed to tax. If you decide to switch out of public accounting later and go into private side as controller or whatnot, i feel like audit prepares you better in that terms, but then again you can always go private as a tax manager.

    The other important thing you need to consider is travel. Are you open to traveling?

    #619321
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    I have not started applying yet but planning on going public soon. I asked a CPA friend if I should go tax or audit. His advice: It depends on your goal. If you want to stick for a while in public accounting (or as an employee), go for audit, if you are planning going solo go for tax. Most small businesses (which is mostly target market of sole practitioners) wanted to get their books done and tax prepared.

    #619322
    hasy
    Participant

    @GotCPA, Traveling isn't an issue.

    @CPAby2015, I don't know what the future holds. But I want to do what prepares me and more translatable skills in the future.

    AUD - 83
    BEC - 80
    FAR - 83
    REG - 78
    BEC - 80 (Roger + NINJA MCQ + WTB)

    FAR - 72; 83 (Roger + NINJA MCQ)

    AUD - 83 (Roger + NINJA MCQ + WTB)

    REG - 52; 78 (Roger + NINJA MCQ)

    Ethics - 68, 96 (how I dislike you)
    -
    This forum is more addictive than drugs. Still returning after licensure.

    Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved - Helen Keller

    -

    BEC 80 (10/23/15)
    FAR 72 (4/2/15); 83 (7/11/16)
    REG 52 (4/28/15)
    AUD (9/9/16)

    Roger + NINJA MCQ + WTB

    #619323
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    Based on your experiences in class what did you naturally gravitate toward? I have to say good job on being quick on your feet and recognizing to run with an opportunity with tax. Sometimes you have to take what's in front of you and it will all figure itself out.

    That being said in terms of limiting yourself with tax, I think a lot of it is up the individual. I know of instances where people have gone from tax in public accounting to being banking analysts. They were able to sell themselves and their experiences in relation to what they wanted to make of it.

    Another huge factor is where you will be working. You're going to have plenty of opportunities in both audit and tax in large cities/metro areas.

    Good luck!

    #619324
    hasy
    Participant

    I've heard of instances where you can take up tax and eventually switch to auditing. But I don't think this firm runs this way, they're requiring so much of the individual. CPA before you make Senior. Masters in Tax before you make manager. It's kind of ridic to me but it is still a job offer and I don't have that many options since I'm out of school already.

    AUD - 83
    BEC - 80
    FAR - 83
    REG - 78
    BEC - 80 (Roger + NINJA MCQ + WTB)

    FAR - 72; 83 (Roger + NINJA MCQ)

    AUD - 83 (Roger + NINJA MCQ + WTB)

    REG - 52; 78 (Roger + NINJA MCQ)

    Ethics - 68, 96 (how I dislike you)
    -
    This forum is more addictive than drugs. Still returning after licensure.

    Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved - Helen Keller

    -

    BEC 80 (10/23/15)
    FAR 72 (4/2/15); 83 (7/11/16)
    REG 52 (4/28/15)
    AUD (9/9/16)

    Roger + NINJA MCQ + WTB

Viewing 5 replies - 1 through 5 (of 5 total)
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